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Background: The estimated prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one in 88. Autism Spectrum Disorders are nearly five times more common among boys than girls. Children with autism may develop a variety of socially unacceptable maladaptive behaviors beyond the defining symptoms of the spectrum disorder., Aims: It is necessary to conduct research to examine maladaptive behaviors of children with autism, family supports, parental stress, and parental coping., Methods: Data used were collected during an earlier descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional study. Using the Double ABCX Model of family behavior as the framework, this study evaluated parents' views of the adaptive behaviors of their children diagnosed with autism using the networks of support for their family, parental stress, and parental coping patterns., Results: Results indicate an association between increased Internalizing maladaptive behaviors and increased parental stress (r = .547, p = .000)., Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that parents of children with autism report that their children have clinically significant maladaptive behaviors. Healthcare providers could use results from this study to provide appropriate intervention for maladaptive behaviors to support children with autism and their families.

γδ T cells function in innate and adaptive immunity and are primed for secondary responses by procyanidin components of unripe apple peel (APP). In this study, we investigate the effects of APP and purified procyanidins on γδ T-cell gene expression. A microarray analysis was performed on bovine γδ T cells treated with APP; increases in transcripts encoding granulocyte-monocyte colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), IL-8 and IL-17, but not markers of TCR stimulation such as IFNγ, were observed. Key responses were confirmed in human, mouse and bovine cells by reverse transcription-PCR and/or ELISA, indicating a conserved response to procyanidins. In vivo relevance of the cytokine response was shown in mice following intraperitoneal injection of APP, which induced production of CXCL1/KC and resulted in neutrophil influx to the blood and peritoneum. In the human T-cell line, MOLT-14, GM-CSF and IL-8 transcripts were increased and stabilized in cells treated with crude APP or purified procyanidins. The ERK1/2 MAPK pathway was activated in APP-treated cells, and necessary for transcript stabilization. Our data describe a unique γδ T-cell inflammatory response during procyanidin treatment and suggest that transcript stability mechanisms could account, at least in part, for the priming phenotype.

Background: As the number of children diagnosed with autism continues to rise, resources must be available to support parents of children with autism and their families. Parents need help as they assess their unique situations, reach out for help in their communities, and work to decrease their stress levels by using appropriate coping strategies that will benefit their entire family., Methods: A descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional study was conducted with 75 parents/primary caregivers of children with autism. Using the McCubbin and Patterson model of family behavior, adaptive behaviors of children with autism, family support networks, parenting stress, and parent coping were measured., Findings and Conclusions: An association between low adaptive functioning in children with autism and increased parenting stress creates a need for additional family support as parents search for different coping strategies to assist the family with ongoing and new challenges. Professionals should have up-to-date knowledge of the supports available to families and refer families to appropriate resources to avoid overwhelming them with unnecessary and inappropriate referrals.

Forty-five parents of children with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and sickle cell disease participated in 8 focus groups. Parents discussed how they, the child with the disability, and the siblings addressed community perceptions about the child's disability. Themes evolving from the interviews included (a) support and lack of support, (b) inclusion and exclusion, and (c) the family members' roles during their interactions with the community. Parents viewed their roles in the community as (a) advocating, (b) educating, (c) informing, (d) ignoring, and (e) hiding. The relationship between themes is presented, and the relationship between themes and parent empowerment is discussed as well as the ways in which the themes reflect underlying ableism.

A pilot study was conducted using a focus group interview with parents of children with autism to provide parents with the opportunity to express their concerns related to parenting a child with autism and to discuss strategies parents can use to manage these challenges. Parents' desire and need for information related to autism is evident. Parents' identified supports and resources in need of expansion and development to assist with their child's needs. These findings support previous research with families communicating a need for partnership with healthcare providers. Nurses are often the first contact with children with autism and their families; they can support the partnership between parents and healthcare professionals. Using the Double ABCX Model of family behavior as the conceptual framework, a study investigating the findings of this pilot study has been completed.

Background: Forty studies performed between 1970 and 1995 indicated that 60% of parents with children with developmental disabilities reported manifestations of increased risk or negative effects on the well siblings., Method: A secondary data analysis was performed using qualitative data gathered during the baseline of a randomized controlled clinical trial of an intervention for siblings/families of children with long-term conditions, including developmental disabilities. Content analysis was used to identify themes from responses of 151 parents to an open-ended question on their perceptions of the effects on well siblings of living at home with a brother/sister with developmental disabilities., Results: Of 363 themes identified, 61.1% reflected negative manifestations of increased risk in well siblings; 1.7% indicated no risk; and 37.2% reflected positive outcomes, suggesting the continued need for potential interventions., Conclusion: Contemporary family life in these families, as portrayed by parents' descriptions, reflects need in child health care for more intervention research on this vulnerable population.

Background: Communication within families of children with sickle cell disease is important yet has not been adequately investigated., Methods: Focus group interviews were conducted with parents of children with sickle cell disease to explore parent-sibling communication about sickle cell disease., Results: Communication was influenced by attributes and behaviors of the parent, the child with sickle cell disease, and the sibling; extended family, neighbors, friends, and church members or social networks; and available, accessible resources related to the child's health, child's school, and parent employment. Outcomes that influenced and were influenced by factors within and outside the parent-sibling dyad and nuclear family included parent satisfaction, parent roles, family intactness, and status attainment., Conclusions: These findings support previous research with African-American families and expand our views of the importance of educating parents, family members, and others about sickle cell disease. The findings suggest a need to explore sibling perception of this communication, parent and sibling perception of the impact of frequent hospitalizations and clinic visits on the sibling and family, and variations within families of children with sickle cell disease.

Yamoa (ground bark of Funtumia elastica tree) is marketed and sold as a dietary supplement with anecdotal therapeutic effects in the treatment of asthma and hay fever. We determined that Yamoa and Yamoa-derived polysaccharides affected innate immunity, in part, by priming gammadelta T cells. Gene expression patterns in purified bovine gammadelta T cells and monocytes induced by Yamoa were similar to those induced by ultrapure lipopolysaccharide (uLPS). In the presence of accessory cells, Yamoa had priming effects that were similar to those of LPS on bovine and murine gammadelta T cells, but much more potent than LPS on human gammadelta T cells. The bioactive component of Yamoa was delineated to a complex polysaccharide fraction (Yam-I). Intraperitoneal injection of Yamoa and Yam-I in mice induced rapid increases in peritoneal neutrophils directed by changes in chemokine expression. In support of a unique agonist found in Yam-I, similar peritonitis responses were also observed in TLR4- and MyD88-deficient mice. Therapeutic treatment with Yam-I resulted in decreased bacterial counts in feces from mice with Salmonella enterica serotype typhimurium (ST)-induced enterocolitis. This characterization of the immune stimulatory properties of polysaccharides derived from Yamoa suggests mechanisms for the anecdotal positive effects of its ingestion and that these polysaccharides show potential for application in innate protection from disease.

Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of developmental and behavioral disorders in a convenience sample of children in an acute care pediatric hospital setting. We hypothesized that hospitalized children would have a higher prevalence of developmental and behavioral disorders than the general population., Methods: Data for this cross-sectional study were collected during interviews with primary caregivers of 325 children from infancy throughout childhood who were admitted to a general pediatric service. Screening tests included the Child Development Inventory (3 months to 6 years), Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (0-8 years), Pediatric Symptom Checklist (4-18 years), and Vanderbilt Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Parent Rating Scale (6-18 years). Children were classified as having a known developmental and behavioral disorder, a suspected developmental and behavioral disorder, or no developmental and behavioral disorder., Results: The prevalence of developmental and behavioral disorders among the hospitalized children 6 months to 17 years of age was 33.5%. A total of 72 children (22.1%) had known developmental and behavioral disorders and 37 (11.4%) had suspected developmental and behavioral disorders. This high prevalence of developmental and behavioral disorders included high rates of cerebral palsy (6.1%) and mental retardation or developmental delay (8.6%)., Conclusion: Hospitalization for treatment of acute conditions provides another opportunity for developmental surveillance. This higher prevalence of developmental and behavioral disorders in hospitalized children emphasizes the need to screen for developmental disabilities at every opportunity. Strategies to implement systematic screening of hospitalized children should be examined.

Background: This study aimed to explore the relationship of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in three trimesters and at birth with neurodevelopment at 24 months of age., Methods: From 2013 to 2016, pregnant women from the Shanghai Birth Cohort in China were recruited for the study. Altogether, 649 mother-infant pairs were included. Serum 25(OH)D was measured with mass spectrometry in three trimesters, and cord blood was divided into deficiency (< 20 and < 12 ng/mL, respectively), insufficiency (20-30 and 12-20 ng/mL, respectively), and sufficiency (≥ 30 and ≥ 20 ng/mL, respectively). Bayley-III scale was used to assess cognitive, language, motor, social-emotional, and adaptive behavior development at 24 months of age. The Bayley-III scores were grouped into quartiles, and scores within the lowest quartile were defined as suboptimal development., Results: After adjusting for confounding factors, cord blood 25(OH)D in the sufficient group was positively correlated with cognitive [β = 11.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 5.65-17.22], language (β = 6.01, 95% CI = 1.67-10.3), and motor scores (β = 6.43, 95% CI = 1.73-11.1); cord blood 25(OH)D in the insufficient group was also positively correlated with cognitive scores (β = 9.42, 95% CI = 3.74-15.11). Additionally, sufficient vitamin D status in the four periods and persistent 25(OH)D ≥ 30 ng/mL throughout pregnancy were associated with a lower risk of suboptimal cognitive development in adjusted models, although the effects were attenuated after applying the false discovery rate adjustment., Conclusions: Cord blood 25(OH)D ≥ 12 ng/mL has a significant positive association with cognitive, language, and motor development at 24 months of age. Sufficient vitamin D status in pregnancy might be a protective factor for suboptimal neurocognition development at 24 months of age., (© 2023. Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine.)

This qualitative study identified communication themes among well siblings, parents, and others within families of children with chronic conditions. Semi-structured interviews of 30 parent-well sibling dyads were content analyzed from a larger study of families of children with chronic conditions. Four themes emerged: communication as a reflection of family roles and relationships, giving voice, staying connected, and struggling for normalcy.

Colletotrichum dematium is an endophytic fungus recovered from a Pteromischum sp. growing in a tropical forest in Costa Rica. This fungus makes a novel peptide antimycotic, colutellin A, with a MIC of 3.6 microg ml(-1) (48 h) against Botrytis cinerea and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Collutellin A has a mass of 1127.7 Da and contains residues of Ile, Val, Ser, N-methyl-Val and beta-aminoisobutryic acid in nominal molar ratios of 3 : 2 : 1 : 1 : 1, respectively. Independent lines of evidence suggest that the peptide is cyclic and sequences of Val-Ile-Ser-Ile and Ile-Pro-Val have been deduced by MS/MS as well as Edman degradation methods. Colutellin A inhibited CD4(+) T-cell activation of interleukin 2 (IL-2) production with an IC(50) of 167.3+/-0.38 nM, whereas cyclosporin A in the same test yielded a value of 61.8 nM. Inhibition of IL-2 production by collutellin A at such a low concentration indicates the potential immunosuppressive activity of this compound. In repeated experiments, cyclosporin A at or above 8 microg ml(-1) exhibited high levels of cytotoxicity on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, whereas collutellin A or DMSO (carrier) alone, after 24 and 48 h of culture, exhibited no toxicity. Because of these properties collutellin A has potential as a novel immunosuppressive drug.

Analysis of global gene expression in immune cells has provided unique insights into immune system function and response to infection. Recently, we applied microarray and serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) techniques to the study of gammadelta T-cell function in humans and cattle. The intent of this review is to summarize the knowledge gained since our original comprehensive studies of bovine gammadelta T-cell subsets. More recently, we have characterized the effects of mucosal infection or treatment with microbial products or mitogens on gene expression patterns in sorted gammadelta and alphabeta T-cells. These studies provided new insights into the function of bovine gammadelta T-cells and led to a model in which response to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) induces 'priming' of gammadelta T-cells, resulting in more robust responses to downstream cytokine and/or antigen signals. PAMP primed gammadelta T-cells are defined by up-regulation of a select number of cytokines, including MIP1alpha and MIP1beta, and by antigens such as surface IL2 receptor alpha (IL-2Ralpha) and CD69, in the absence of a prototypic marker for an activated gammadelta T-cell, IFN-gamma. Furthermore, PAMP primed gammadelta T-cells are more capable of proliferation in response to IL-2 or IL-15 in the absence of antigen. PAMPs such as endotoxin, peptidoglycan and beta-glucan are effective gammadelta T-cell priming agents, but the most potent antigen-independent priming agonists defined to date are condensed oligomeric tannins produced by some plants.

Family involvement in planning and choosing services has become a key intervention concept in developmental disability services. This study (N = 547) modeled patterns of family decision making and assessed benefits to persons with developmental disabilities (DDs) and their family members. A latent profile analysis identified 4 classes that were highly involved in decision making (n = 118), involved only in planning (n = 166), involved only in financial decisions (n = 75), and uninvolved (n = 188). Multiple regression analysis indicated that consumers with DD whose family members were highly involved received more services than consumers in other families. A multivariate analysis of covariance indicated that the family members in the highly involved and planning classes experienced more family member satisfaction than others. Findings have implications for practice.

Leukocyte adhesion and migration are mediated partially by CD11b/CD18 (membrane-activated complex-1, CR3). Earlier studies have demonstrated a role for green tea polyphenols in down-regulating CD11b on CD8(+) T cells and monocytes. We have shown recently a stimulatory effect of unripe apple polyphenols (APP) on gammadelta T cells. Thus, we compared the effect of APP on bovine gammadelta T cell and monocyte CD11b expression. Purified bovine monocytes and monocyte-depleted PBLs were cultured with APP. CD11b levels decreased on monocytes in response to APP. In contrast, a gammadelta T cell subset responded to APP by up-regulating CD11b. The CD11b regulation was not seen on gammadelta T cells or monocytes treated with APP fractions depleted of tannins. The APP-induced down-regulation of CD11b on monocytes was inhibited by an anti-CD11b mAb, consistent with previous studies showing that polyphenols bind CD11b. As expected, the anti-CD11b mAb had no effect on the APP response in resting gammadelta T cells, as these cells lacked CD11b. Consistent with the changes in surface CD11b expression, APP-treated gammadelta T cells showed increased adherence to plastic, whereas monocyte adhesion was reduced. APP also induced cytokine gene expression in gammadelta T cells. Some polyphenols are thought of as anti-inflammatory agents; however, these data, as well as other ongoing studies, indicate they have a proinflammatory effect on gammadelta T cells. In vivo, plant polyphenols may enhance gammadelta T cell migration and function at sites of inflammation, where they could induce rapid, immune-regulatory and innate-like immune responses.

Background: The effectiveness of crisis response can be influenced by various structural, cultural, and functional aspects within a social system. This study uses a configurational approach to identify combinations of sociopolitical conditions that lead to a high case fatality rate (CFR) of COVID-19 in OECD countries. Methods: A Fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) is conducted on a sample of 38 OECD countries. The outcome to be explained is high COVID-19 CFR. The five potentially causal conditions are level of democracy, state capacity, trust in government, health expenditure per capita, and the median age of population. A comprehensive QCA robustness test protocol is applied, which includes sensitivity ranges, fit-oriented robustness, and case-oriented robustness tests. Results: None of the causal conditions in both the presence and negation form were found to be necessary for high or low levels of COVID-19 CFR. Two different combinations of sociopolitical conditions were usually sufficient for the occurrence of a high CFR of COVID-19 in OECD countries. Low state capacity and low trust in government are part of both recipes. The entire solution formula covers 84 percent of the outcome. Some countries have been identified as contradictory cases. The explanations for their COVID-19 CFR require more in-depth case studies. Conclusions: From a governance perspective, the weakness of government in effectively implementing policies, and the citizens' lack of confidence in their government, combined with other structural conditions, serve as barriers to mounting an effective response to COVID-19. These findings can support the idea that the effects of social determinants of COVID-19 outcomes are interconnected and reinforcing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing number of maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients, growing attention has been paid to the quality of care. Strengthening care preparedness of family caregivers is essential to improving the nursing quality. The purpose of this study is to explore the care preparedness level of family caregivers of MHD patients and its influencing factors, so as to provide guidance for the development of targeted care interventions. A total of 237 family caregivers of MHD patients were recruited from the hemodialysis room of two tertiary hospitals in Wuhan using the Convenience sampling method. They were surveyed by the general data questionnaire, Care Preparedness Scale and Positive Aspects of Caregiving. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS software, version 21.0. The statistical tests conducted in this study were two-tailed, and a significance level of P < 0.05 was deemed as statistically significant. The care preparedness and positive aspects of caregiving scores of family caregivers of MHD patients were 19.05 ± 5.64 and 31.28 ± 7.28 points, respectively. The care preparedness level of family caregivers was significantly positively correlated with positive aspects of caregiving (P < 0.01). The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that the total nursing time and whether family caregivers had chronic diseases and positive aspects of caregiving were the main factors influencing their care preparedness (all P < 0.05). These three factors accounted for 49.6% of the variance. The care preparedness of family caregivers of MHD patients remains to be continuously improved. Medical staff should emphasize the important role of total nursing time, whether the caregiver has a chronic disease, and positive aspects of caregiving in improving care preparedness in this population. To achieve this end, medical staff can provide targeted support and guidance for caregivers according to the influencing factors, such as implementing group psychological education, strengthening the training, offering social support, remote intervention (including family caregivers’ education through the media), and so on. Meanwhile, caregivers should be evaluated dynamically, and information and emotional support should be provided for them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Caregiver Strain Questionnaire assesses the three dimensions of caregiver strain, namely the objective, subjective externalized and subjective internalized strain. It was validated among caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the United States and Mainland China with promising psychometric properties. This study aimed to develop and validate the Chinese (traditional script) version of the Caregiver Strain Questionnaire (C-CGSQ) among 198 caregivers of children with ASD in Hong Kong. The C-CGSQ showed excellent internal consistency (α = 0.958) and test-retest reliability (Spearman's r = 0.966). Concurrent, convergent, divergent validity and a three-factor structure (consistent with previous studies) were established. The C-CGSQ demonstrated promising psychometric properties in measuring caregiver strain among caregivers of Chinese ASD children in Hong Kong. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This descriptive, cross-sectional study aims to determine the relationship between parent feeding style and anxiety in children. Methods: The research was conducted with 338 mothers with children aged 3-6 years. Sociodemographic Information Form, Revised Preschool Anxiety Scale and the Parent Nutrition Style Questionnaire were used for data collection. Results: The mean Preschool Anxiety Scale scores significantly differed concerning the number of children's siblings, mothers' employment, fathers' employment, mothers' education, fathers' education and family income. There was a significant positive weak correlation between anxiety levels and the mean scores on emotional feeding, instrumental feeding and the Parent Nutrition Style Questionnaire. Conclusion: Health professionals should be aware of several sociodemographic features that affect anxiety in children. Therefore, families at risk should be identified, their children should be closely monitored in terms of health problems like anxiety and depression, and appropriate interventions should be designed to prevent anxiety in children. Considering that parental feeding style affects eating habits in children, further studies are needed to examine the relationship between parental feeding behavior and anxiety in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) is the etiologic agent of high mortality epizootics of chronic respiratory disease in American bison (Bison bison). Despite the severity of the disease, no efficacious commercial vaccines have been licensed for the prevention of M. bovis infection in bison. Elongation factor thermal unstable (EFTu) and Heat Shock Protein 70 (Hsp70, DnaK) are highly conserved, constitutively expressed proteins that have previously been shown to provide protection against M. bovis infection in cattle. To assess the suitability of EFTu and Hsp70 as vaccine antigens in bison, the immune response to and protection conferred by an injectable, adjuvanted subunit vaccine comprised of recombinantly expressed EFTu and Hsp70 was evaluated. Vaccinates developed robust antibody and cellular immune responses against both EFTu and Hsp70 antigens. To assess vaccine efficacy, unvaccinated control and vaccinated bison were experimentally challenged with bovine herpes virus-1 (BHV-1) 4  days prior to intranasal infection with M. bovis. Vaccinated bison displayed reductions in joint infection, lung bacterial loads, and lung lesions compared to unvaccinated controls. Together, these results showed that this subunit vaccine reduced clinical disease and bacterial dissemination from the lungs in M. bovis challenged bison and support the further development of protein subunit vaccines against M. bovis for use in bison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the periods with a significant impact on human growth and development is the period from conception to the second year. A determining factor for the neurological health of the offspring is nutrition during pregnancy. Studies on the effects of the intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids and micronutrients by the pregnant woman on the child's neurodevelopment were analyzed. A review was performed in the electronic databases PubMed, Scopus and Mendeley of studies published in the period 2018-2023. The analyzed 15 publications reveal the supportive role of polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin D, folate, choline, iodine, iron and carotene on children's neurodevelopment and intellectual potential. Results on long-term brain development as influenced by maternal nutrition are heterogeneous in the reviewed manuscripts. Along with definite benefits, for some of the dietary effects studied, the expected contributions have not been established. Despite the strong evidence available for the benefits of optimal maternal nutrition and adequate supply of polyunsaturated fatty acids and trace elements during pregnancy on neurological development, there is a need for further evaluation of the mechanisms of action of these specific dietary components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer mortality rates have declined during the last 28 years, but that process is not equitably shared. Disparities in cancer outcomes by race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation and gender identity, and geographic location persist across the cancer care continuum. Consequently, community outreach and engagement (COE) efforts within National Cancer Institute‐Designated Cancer Center (NCI‐DCC) catchment areas have intensified during the last 10 years as has the emphasis on COE and catchment areas in NCI's Cancer Center Support Grant applications. This review article attempts to provide a historic perspective of COE within NCI‐DCCs. Improving COE has long been an important initiative for the NCI, but it was not until 2012 and 2016 that NCI‐DCCs were required to define their catchment areas rigorously and to provide specific descriptions of COE interventions, respectively. NCI‐DCCs had previously lacked adequate focus on the inclusion of historically marginalized patients in cancer innovation efforts. Integrating COE efforts throughout the research and operational aspects of the cancer centers, at both the patient and community levels, will expand the footprint of COE efforts within NCI‐DCCs. Achieving this change requires sustained commitment by the centers to adjust their activities and improve access and outcomes for historically marginalized communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research suggests that challenges associated with raising a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can increase parents' risk for diminished parenting self-efficacy (PSE) and psychological wellbeing. The present study aimed to explore interrelationships between noteworthy predictors of PSE and parental psychological distress, including parental mastery beliefs and the co-parenting relationship amongst 122 Australian parents of children with autism. Results indicated that greater mastery beliefs and more favourable co-parenting relationships predicted greater PSE, and higher PSE predicted less psychological distress. PSE significantly mediated relationships between mastery beliefs and psychological distress, and between the co-parenting relationship and psychological distress. Findings have implications that can aid professionals to more effectively support parents raising children on the autism spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gammadelta T cells have been conserved since the adaptive immune system arose, yet their importance is still unclear. In an attempt to compensate for the lack of a broad knowledge base of gammadelta T cells across species, global analyses of gammadelta T cell transcriptomes have been performed using serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE). Twelve new SAGE libraries were generated from the following bovine lymphocyte populations: magnetic bead-sorted blood gammadelta T cells, spleen gammadelta T cells and enriched spleen alphabeta T cells from a single calf, both rested and Con A/IL2 stimulated, and flow cytometry-sorted blood gammadelta and alphabeta T cells each either rested, Con A/IL2, or phorbol 12 myristate 13-acetate/ionomycin stimulated. These new libraries complement two earlier SAGE libraries of circulating gammadelta T cell subsets. These databases were analyzed using new web-based bioinformatic tools, which allow the user to rapidly compare gene expression patterns within these and other SAGE and standard expressed sequence tag libraries generated from different cell types and different species. These analyses revealed striking differences between blood and spleen gammadelta T cells and how these cells respond to mitogenic stimulation. These analyses also confirm previous studies that suggested that global gene expression in gammadelta and alphabeta T cells is quite similar; however, a 5-fold increase in gammadelta T cell-specific transcripts could be induced by Con A/IL2 stimulation. These new public databases provide additional resources for the annotation/analysis of global gene expression in gammadelta T cells, which will facilitate studies of the biology of this enigmatic lymphoid cell.

Objective: Siblings of children with chronic illness or disability have been reported to have a 1.6 to 2.0 risk for behavioral and mental health problems. Our objective was to examine the effects of an intervention for siblings (age 7-15 years) of children with chronic illness or disability., Method: A randomized, three-group repeated-measures design was used: full intervention (n=79), partial intervention (n=71), and a waiting list control group (n=102). Outcomes were sibling knowledge about illness, behavior problems, social support, self-esteem, attitude, and mood measured over four postintervention periods. Covariates were family cohesion, maternal mood, socioeconomic status, and well sibling age. The full intervention included structured teaching and psychosocial sessions at a 5-day residential summer camp. The partial intervention included camp only. Treatment effects were estimated by using generalized estimating equation panel analyses., Results: The full treatment group showed significant improvements on all six outcomes over most periods, the partial treatment group on three outcomes, and the control group on two outcomes. Improvements in outcomes ranged from 5% to 25% increases over baseline measures., Conclusions: A dose-response relationship to intervention was found. Treatment gains were sustained over a period of 12 months.

Child rearing in the New Independent States (NIS) is explored through a literature review examining child rearing practices in the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the NIS. As exchanges between the NIS and other countries are underway, this information will help nurses understand issues faced by citizens of the NIS, families immigrating from the NIS, and health care professionals visiting the NIS. This review raises questions about NIS child rearing practices and may serve as a stimulus for further exploration of issues related to the health of children and families living in or emigrating from the NIS.

Students with special health care needs present challenges to persons involved with their education, but school staff are accepting the challenge to create safe, nurturing, and stimulating environments for these students. This article proposes guidelines for school staff working with students having special health care needs. The guidelines evolved from the authors' experiences and are child-related, family-related, and school-related. Discussion of each guideline includes illustrations of issues arising from them. Considerations for implementing the guidelines are presented and include discussion of school policies and procedures and state laws and regulations related to school staff working with students having special health care needs.

There is increasing evidence that prenatal stress elevates the risk of children's social–emotional development, but the mechanisms underlying this association are unclear. Home environment provides learning opportunities and stimulation required for children's early development and can be influenced by prenatal maternal stress. This study aimed to examine whether home environment can mediate the association between prenatal stress during the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and their offspring's social–emotional problems thereafter. A pilot sample was derived from 2020 to 2021 Maternal and Child Health Cohort study (N = 82) with the pregnant women recruited during the COVID-19 lockdown period in 2020. Prenatal stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale. Home environment was measured using the Child Home Nurture Environment Scales. Mother-reported toddler social–emotional problems were assessed at 12 months of age. The mediation model was used for data analysis. The mean scores of social–emotional problems, which include externalizing, internalizing, dysregulation, and competence, were 10.98 (5.08), 14.72 (6.49), 15.15 (6.31), and 36.73 (10.26), respectively. Prenatal stress, home environment, and social–emotional problems were significantly related (P < 0.05). Home environment significantly mediated the association between prenatal stress and social–emotional problems with the indirect effect [95% CI] of 0.06 [0.01, 0.14] for externalizing behaviors, 0.10 [0.00, 0.24] for internalizing behaviors, − 0.15 [− 0.31, − 0.01] for competence, 0.08 [0.01, 0.17] and 0.08 [0.01, 0.21] for dysregulation. These findings suggest that prenatal stress may affect offspring's social–emotional problems through the home environment. Screening for prenatal stress and promoting supportive home environment may be potential strategies for social–emotional problems interventions in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives covered various aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with risk exposure assessment and identification of risk factors being the most common theme (35.5%). No dominant research methodology for risk assessment emerged from these articles. Conclusion: Our synthesized findings support proactive planning and development of prevention and control measures in anticipation of future public health threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to examine the moderating effect of ethnic patient-physician similarity versus dissimilarity on the relationship between physicians' stigma towards ethnicity and physicians' communication behaviors during medical encounters and patients' post-meeting anxiety., Methods: A prospective nested study design with 146 encounters, including 146 patients with cancer and 32 oncology/surgery physicians, was conducted between November 2019 and July 2022 in two medical centers. Before the medical encounters, physicians were asked to complete sociodemographic, professional and the Perceived Ethnic Discrimination Questionnaires (PEDQ-CV). Patients completed sociodemographic, clinical characteristics and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaires before and following the encounters. During the medical encounters, structured "real-time" observations of the physicians' behaviors were assessed using the Four Habits Coding Scheme (4HCS)., Results: The mixed linear analysis model revealed that the two-way interaction effects between physicians' stigma toward ethnicity and the ethnic similarity between the physician and patient on physician communication behaviors (b = - .822, p < .05) and patients' post-meeting anxiety (b = .580, p < .05) were significant. In ethnic dissimilar medical encounters, physician stigma towards ethnicity was associated with poor communication behaviors and higher post meeting patients' anxiety. However, in ethnic similar medical encounters, physician ethnic stigma was associated with improve communication behaviors and stable levels of anxiety., Conclusions: Our study highlights the significant role of similar versus dissimilar ethnic medical encounters on the effect of ethnic stigma on health outcomes. These findings call for implementing a climate of diversity management to limit the additive effect of stigma towards ethnicity and to provide fair and equal care., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethics Approval: This study was performed in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Approval was granted by the Ethics committee of the Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa (No. 278/20), the Helsinki Committees of the Northern Hospital (No. EMC 0114–18) and the Northern District (No. COM-0195–20), Israel. Consent to Participate: Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study. Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. W. Montague Cobb-NMA Health Institute.)

The rising demand for child care is putting a strain on parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), particularly the mothers. This study investigated Chinese mothers of children with ASD and examined the factors associated with maternal mental health. An online national survey was completed by the parents of 5077 ASD children and adolescents aged 0‍‒‍17 years. A total of 28.0% of the mothers reported poor mental health status. Mothers with children aged 10‍‒‍13 years had a lower chance of having poor mental health status than mothers with children aged 0‒2 years (odds ratio (OR) 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.43‍‒‍0.91). Mothers of children with high-functioning autism were less likely to have poor mental health status than those of children with low-functioning autism (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.62‍‒‍0.94). Having children with comorbidities was related with a higher risk of poor mental status (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.35‒1.81), as were having conflicts with other family members (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.22‍‒‍1.70) and providing full-time care (OR 1.22, CI 1.06‍‒‍1.41). A higher-than-average family income was associated with lower risk of having poor mental health status (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.58‍‒‍0.82). Factors related to the children and family, and providing full-time care, have a significant effect on mothers' mental health status. Reducing obstacles to work and social interaction, as well as tackling the financial burden of raising an ASD child, may help improve the well-being of mothers.

This review thoroughly explores numerous key areas contributing to sustainable health and well-being. It encompasses precision medicine, eco-friendly healthcare practices, digital health technologies, holistic well-being approaches, community health promotion, global health protection, and data-driven public health techniques, providing a roadmap for a greater resilient healthcare future. The study evaluates the effectiveness of mathematical modelling in predicting COVID-19 transmission patterns and variants. It starts by providing an overview of COVID-19 and its variants, which include their origins and modes of transmission, then delves into prediction techniques and mathematical modelling, focusing especially on the use of differential equations-based modelling to understand disease progression. The objective is to enhance scientific information of COVID-19 variants and their effect on public health by providing insights, situation analyses, and policy recommendations derived from mathematical modelling. This comprehensive review focuses on serving as a useful resource for researchers, policymakers, and healthcare experts in addressing the pandemic and its evolving variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the most frequent cancer worldwide. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, women experience unexpected and stressful events. In Ethiopia, specifically in the study area, the experiences of women with breast cancer, the challenges they face during treatment and follow-up have not been thoroughly investigated. Objective: This qualitative study explores the experiences of women diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing therapy at a University-based hospital in Ethiopia. Methods: A qualitative research design was used, to explore the experiences of women diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing therapy. A purposively selected sample of ten women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer and were receiving therapy was recruited. Recruitment was conducted from August 1 to September 30, 2022. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect data on their experiences. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, and a thematic analysis approach was employed utilizing open coding. The coded data were then analysed to reveal important insights and understandings about the participants' experiences with breast cancer during the diagnosis and therapy journey. Result: The thematic analysis of the data revealed four prominent themes: women's mixed emotions, characterized by a sense of high threat and hope upon receiving breast cancer diagnosis results; dealing with the changes, both physical and psychological, that the cancer and its treatment bring about in women's bodies and emotional well-being; dealing with the challenges associated with accessing therapy, including unfavourable hospital conditions and financial hardship; and experiencing care and supports from health care providers, family and friends, and faith-based communities. Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of providing comprehensive support and care for women with breast cancer. Enhancing the hospital environment, addressing resource shortages, and prioritising patient well-being are crucial steps towards improving the experiences of breast cancer patients in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that includes abnormal communication, repetitive and limiting interests, and social dysfunction. This study aimed to identify the experiences of parents in raising children with ADS in Iran. Methods: A total of 18 parents of children with ASD were selected by purposive and convenient... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is a review that was inspired by recent studies investigating the effects of childhood trauma or early life stress (ELS) and mindfulness in adulthood. One recent study found that some forms of abuse and neglect led to higher scores in several subscales of a self-report measure of mindfulness. The authors concluded that some forms of ELS can help cultivate certain aspects of mindfulness in adulthood. However, and in contrast to this recent finding, much of the extant literature investigating ELS and trauma are linked to emotional dysregulation, alexithymia, and a host of psychopathologies in adulthood which makes the results of this study surprising. Central to the mindfulness literature is cultivating an open, non-reactive, or non-judgment awareness of inner experiences which are important for emotional regulation. In this paper, I review some of the effects of trauma or ELS on critical neural circuits linked to mindfulness, interoception, attachment, and alexithymia which I hope may clarify some of the conflicting findings from this study and throughout the literature and provide additional context and a framework that may inform research investigating these two constructs going forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The first 3 years of life are a critical period for the development of socio-emotional skills, highlighting the importance of socio-emotional development in early childhood. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a health promotion intervention program on the socio-emotional development of children aged 12 to 42 months during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A total of 344 children from 15 childcare centers participated in this study, with six centers in the intervention group and nine in the control group. Childcare teachers in the intervention group received a 6-month training program aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles, including topics such as diet, sleep, physical activity, and sedentary behavior. Sociodemographic and anthropometric measures were assessed at baseline, and socio-emotional development was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development – Third Edition (Bayley-III) at baseline and post-intervention. Results: After the intervention, a significant difference in socio-emotional development was observed between children with mothers of varying education levels. Specifically, children whose mothers had lower education levels demonstrated significantly greater socio-emotional development (B = 19.000, p = 0.028) compared to the control group. In contrast, there was no significant difference in socio-emotional development among children with mothers from higher education levels. Conclusion: These findings suggest that intervention programs for childcare teachers can effectively promote healthy socio-emotional development in children from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. Future intervention programs should consider tailoring their approaches to target disadvantaged populations. Trial registration: This cluster randomized controlled trial was registered in the Clinical Trials database/platform on 09/09/2019 (number NCT04082247). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Green space exposures may promote child mental health and well-being across multiple domains and stages of development. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between residential green space exposures and child mental and behavioral health at age 4–6 years. Methods: Children's internalizing and externalizing behaviors in the Conditions Affecting Neurocognitive Development and Learning in Early Childhood (CANDLE) cohort in Shelby County, Tennessee, were parent-reported on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). We examined three exposures—residential surrounding greenness calculated as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), tree cover, and park proximity—averaged across the residential history for the year prior to outcome assessment. Linear regression models were adjusted for individual, household, and neighborhood-level confounders across multiple domains. Effect modification by neighborhood socioeconomic conditions was explored using multiplicative interaction terms. Results: Children were on average 4.2 years (range 3.8-6.0) at outcome assessment. Among CANDLE mothers, 65% self-identified as Black, 29% as White, and 6% as another or multiple races; 41% had at least a college degree. Higher residential surrounding greenness was associated with lower internalizing behavior scores (-0.66 per 0.1 unit higher NDVI; 95% CI: -1.26, -0.07) in fully-adjusted models. The association between tree cover and internalizing behavior was in the hypothesized direction but confidence intervals included the null (-0.29 per 10% higher tree cover; 95% CI: -0.62, 0.04). No associations were observed between park proximity and internalizing behavior. We did not find any associations with externalizing behaviors or the attention problems subscale. Estimates were larger in neighborhoods with lower socioeconomic opportunity, but interaction terms were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Our findings add to the accumulating evidence of the importance of residential green space for the prevention of internalizing problems among young children. This research suggests the prioritization of urban green spaces as a resource for child mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Parents of persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) play a major and often lifelong role in the care and support of their child. A better understanding of parents' perspectives regarding their experiences of parenting their child with PIMD is essential to support them more effectively. Although this topic has been explored extensively in Anglo‐Saxon and Northern European countries, little is known about the experience of these parents in a highly institutionalized context such as that in France. Objective: We explored parents' experiences of the activities they performed to care for their child with PIMD (namely, the 'parenting work') in the French context. Method: Qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted by telephone with 34 parents of persons with PIMD aged 8–35. The resulting data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: The analysis highlighted the diversity of activities performed by parents as well as the influence of context on the forms of this parenting work. Five themes were developed: (1) navigating the challenges of obtaining medical recognition; (2) negotiating a concealed domain and becoming an expert; (3) unfolding medical and medicosocial care management; (4) navigating the challenges of daily living and (5) shaping one's child's possibilities. Conclusion: This study offers a better understanding of the challenges, levers and expectations of parents of children with PIMD in France. Contextual factors such as the lack of knowledge of PIMD among health professionals, access to knowledge and know‐how associated with care management, the administrative complexity of access to care and equipment, institutional issues (e.g., professional turnover) and societal ableism (e.g., access to infrastructures, interpersonal discrimination) shape the work parents perform to support their child's needs. It is necessary to consider contextual aspects to better support these parents and their children. Suggestions for applications are provided in the discussion. Patient or Public Contribution: One of the researchers, a parent of a child with PIMD, supported the research design and provided feedback on the study's procedures and manuscript. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to test the effects of the parent-implemented interventions (PIIs) on children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in China and to explore the effects of PIIs on the family quality of life of families of children with ASD in China. This study adopted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design based on PIIs. Participants is divided into intervention group (N(parents) = 35, Age(M ± SD) = 35.69 ± 3.45; N(children) = 35, Age(M ± SD) = 5.49 ± 2.74) and control group (N(parents) = 35, Age(M ± SD) = 36.06 ± 4.28; N(children) = 35, Age(M ± SD) = 5.71 ± 3.25); parents in intervention group were trained with PIIs and required to implement family interventions for their children with ASD as they learned. This study will provide data to support the development and improvement of PIIs, and will also benefit the well-being and sustainability of children with ASD and their families. Compared to control group, the children in intervention group had a significant improvement in social communication ability (p < 0.05), and the families in intervention group had a significant enhancing in family quality of life (satisfaction) (p < 0.001). This study found that PIIs are effective in enhancing the social communication ability of children with ASD in China and the family quality of life (satisfaction) of their families. PIIs is a good and cost-effective complement to rehabilitation training in professional institutions, and have positive significance for the well-being and sustainability of children with ASD and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mixed-method approach was used to explore and compare self-forgiveness, guilt, shame, and parental stress in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and parents of neurotypical (NT) children. The data were obtained by the Heartland Forgiveness Scale (Thompson et al., 2005), Guilt and Shame Experience Scale (Maliňáková et al., 2019), Parental Stress Scale (Berry & Jones, 1995) and by open-ended questions. The research sample consisted of 143 parents of children with ASD and 135 parents of NT children from Slovakia. The regression analysis confirmed that guilt, shame, and self-forgiveness explained 23% of the variance in parental stress, while the only significant negative predictor was self-forgiveness. Furthermore, shame mediated the pathway between self-forgiveness and parental stress in parents of children with ASD. Parents of children with ASD experience more shame than parents of NT children. The qualitative analysis obtained a more comprehensive understanding of both groups. Parents of children with ASD mostly experienced shame in regard to their child's inappropriate behavior or it being misunderstood by society, while parents of NT children mostly did not feel ashamed of their parenting. Acceptance, social support, religious beliefs, and love from the child were the most often mentioned factors helping self-forgiveness in parents of children with ASD. We highlight the importance of self-forgiveness as a potential coping mechanism for parental stress and suggest focusing on negative aspects of shame in parents of children with ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) experience higher levels of stress than parents of typically-developing (TD) children, due to differences in their children's emotional functioning. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the cognitive and practical demands on vulnerable populations and their families. The aim of this study was to examine parenting stress levels in parents of children ASD and TD children, considering the children's emotional functioning (i.e., anxiety and cognitive emotion regulation strategies), and stressful life events deriving from the COVID-19 pandemic. The study involved 64 parent–child dyads comprising children from 7 to 16 years old, divided into two groups: 32 (26 M) children and adolescents with ASD but no intellectual disability, and 32 (26 M) with typical development. Our results show that parents of children with ASD reported higher levels of stress, but factors relating to the child and the context had a different influence on parenting stress in the ASD and TD groups. The higher level of parenting stress in the ASD group seemed to relate more to the children's emotional characteristics, while the TD group was more affected by the unpredictable stressful events prompted by COVID-19. Families' mental health should be considered a core aspect of supporting parents having to deal with both their child's emotional adjustment and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To improve health disparities and breast cancer outcomes for African American (AFAM) women, action is needed at multiple levels of engagement. Breast cancer survivor advocates who volunteer in the community work in individual, interpersonal, community, and societal levels to educate, raise awareness, and improve care for themselves and others. The Social Ecological Model (SEM) can help to organize levels of activity and describe how individual, social, and environmental factors can inhibit or enhance advocacy activities in breast cancer survivors. Methods: Ten AFAM breast cancer survivors in Metro Detroit who had varying lengths of advocacy participation and were in different phases of survivorship were recruited. Open-ended interviews using an innovative participatory action qualitative research method of photovoice sought to understand the types of activities that breast cancer advocates engaged in and the areas where they participated. Results: The SEM was extremely helpful in categorizing advocacy experiences and organizing different levels of advocacy participation. Advocacy activities often overlapped between levels, and several major themes ran through activities, such as mentions of the AFAM culture, the patient voice, and story sharing. This study shed some light on the interplay between different levels and how breast cancer advocates find the level they are most comfortable with. This study also found that a collective effort is needed and that activities with researchers and healthcare professionals require multiple levels of interaction. Conclusions: Although many beneficial outcomes have resulted from breast cancer survivor advocates, there is lack of concentration on the characteristics and personalities of the advocates themselves and the types of advocacy activities they engage in. With the increasing willingness of the health system to encourage, embrace, and utilize the knowledge of survivor advocates, it is important for nurses to better understand participation and engagement more fully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the relationship between affiliate stigma, stress, and perceived quality of life among parents of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Method: Surveys (Study 1) and semi-structured interviews (Study 2) were used to collect data. Thirtyeight respondents completed the Affiliate Stigma Scale (ASS), Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI), and Carerelated Quality of Life (CarerQol) scales (GMFCS). Eleven respondents took part in semi-structured interviews, which were then thematically evaluated. Results: Parents did not feel stigmatized because they had a child with CP. However, parents needed some form of short-term relief from caregiving. After controlling for demographics, high stress respondents experienced high affiliate stigma whereas low stress respondents had better quality of life. Although the respondents with less stigma had a better quality of life, this effect was moderate. Three major themes emerged from the interviews. Conclusion: Counseling, support groups, and helper services should be offered to parents. Also, healthcare professionals participating in CP rehabilitation, community-based rehabilitation, and health institutions should be educated on how to better help parents of children with CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often experience emotional and psychological distress, as well as disruptions to family life and employment due to the challenges of caring for children with ASD. This study examines the relationship between problem behaviours and caregiver burden among children with ASD. Method: A cross-sectional study using convenience sampling recruited 230 caregivers of children with ASD aged 4 to 18 years from selected autism centres in Kuching, Sarawak. The caregivers completed the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist-2 and the Zarit Burden Interview. Results: Univariate analysis revealed a significant difference in caregiver burden for children with ASD receiving medications (p = 0.013), registered with the Social Welfare Department (p = 0.036), and having siblings with ASD (p = 0.046). About 40% of the children exhibited at least one domain of problem behaviour. More than half of the caregivers (53.9%) experienced burden, with the majority experiencing mild burden. Positive associations were seen between irritability (r = 0.458, p < 0.01), social withdrawal (r = 0.439, p < 0.01), stereotypic behaviour (r = 0.392, p < 0.01), hyperactivity/non-compliance (r = 0.467, p < 0.01), and caregiver burden. Child factors, including the duration of problem behaviour (r = 0.182, p = 0.007), medication use (eta = 0.187, p = 0.005), Social Welfare Department registration (eta = 0.138, p = 0.036), and the presence of siblings with ASD (eta = 0.130, p = 0.046) were associated with caregiver burden. Multiple linear regression showed that hyperactivity/noncompliance significantly predicted caregiver burden. Conclusion: Specific problem behaviours in children with ASD were associated with caregiver burden. These results highlight the need for interventions for the child with ASD and their caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of Black patients with cancer in health care by comparing drivers of high and low ratings. Methods: Semistructured in‐depth interviews were conducted with 18 Black patients with cancer recruited from cancer survivorship support groups and Facebook between May 2019 and March 2020. Interviews were coded across all transcripts by using a thematic analysis approach before comparing low‐ and high‐rating groups. Results: There were three major themes that influenced whether patients rated their care as low or high, which included the patient–provider relationship, health care staff interactions, and cancer care coordination. For example, the high‐rating group described good communication with the health care team as physicians listening to their needs, being responsive to their concerns, and providing recommendations on how to address side effects. In contrast, the low‐rating group described poor communication with their health care team as their needs being dismissed and being excluded from decision‐making processes. Additionally, there were two distinct themes that influenced patients' low ratings: insurance and financial toxicity issues and experiences of health care discrimination. Conclusions: In an effort to promote equitable cancer care experiences for Black patients, it is important that health systems work to prioritize patient interactions with health care providers and staff, comprehensive care management for patients with cancer, and reductions in the financial burden of caring for cancer. In this qualitative analysis, three factors were found that influenced both low ratings and high ratings, but there were two distinct factors that influenced low ratings. This study lays out various ways health care teams may improve patient care experiences for Black patients with cancer and positively affect health care outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]